A recent Senate report notes that the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe and convertible, as well as various 2016 and 2017 Ferrari models including the FF, California T, 488 GTB, 488 Spider, F12, F12tdf and GTC4 Lusso, will be subject to recalls by the end of 2018. The vehicles however, are legal to be sold because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said they will not become potentially unsafe until exposed to high humidity for an extended period of time. Safety advocates and some in Congress, however, are criticizing the sale of the vehicles.

The report also said that Mercedes and Ferrari plan to tell dealers to notify the buyers that the vehicles will be subject to future recalls. The two luxury automakers aren’t the only ones currently selling vehicles that may be recalled in the future. Toyota, FCA and Volkswagen are also equipping new vehicles with defective airbags and have all agreed to notify buyers of the planned recalls.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/07/ferrari-and-mercedes-are-selling-cars-with-faulty-takata-airbags-report.html/feed0more]]>Toyota, BMW are the World’s Most Admired Automakershttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/02/toyota-bmw-are-the-world-s-most-admired-automakers.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/02/toyota-bmw-are-the-world-s-most-admired-automakers.html#commentsMon, 22 Feb 2016 13:31:14 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=377981Toyota, BMW are the World’s Most Admired AutomakersToyota is once again the most admired motor vehicle company in Fortune Magazine's annual list. more]]>

Toyota is once again the most admired motor vehicle company in Fortune Magazine‘s annual list.

The Japanese automaker also ranked number 28 overall out of all companies surveyed and was also in the top 10 in both talent and running a global business. The “World’s Most Admired Companies” survey from Fortune Magazine measures nine attributes including quality of management, social responsibility, people management and global competitiveness, among others. The company ranked top across all categories in the motor vehicles sector.

BMW, on the other hand, is number 18 overall, but second in the motor vehicles sector. While that may seem a bit confusing, it is because the Most Admired Companies overall is the result of responses from 4,000 executives, directors and securities analysts. The select group of people chose from a list made up of the companies that ranked in the top 25 percent in last year’s surveys, as well as those that finished in the top 20 percent of the industry. As a result, anyone could vote for any company in any industry.

Within the motor vehicles sector, however, the ranking is based on peer ratings.

Following Toyota and BMW on the list within the motor vehicles sector is Daimler, Hyundai, Honda, General Motors, Volkswagen and Nissan. Only Toyota and BMW are ranked in the World’s Most Admired Companies overall list.

In total, the survey covers 652 companies from 30 countries. The 54 industry lists were created by asking executives, directors and analysts to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. In order to be listed, a company’s score must rank in the top half of its industry survey.

The parent company of Mercedes-Benz is developing next-generation diesel engines so that the automaker can meet new pollution-measuring standards. According to Daimler’s head of powertrain development, Bernhard Heil, the automaker is “spending the money on engine development and production capacities.” Part of the $2.94 billion has already been invested.

The company plans on introducing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on its smaller Mercedes-Benz front-wheel-drive compacts by 2019, replacing the current nitrous oxide trap exhaust systems.

Currently, only the larger Mercedes-Benz models use SCR systems, which require Adblue injection units. Currently, only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is offered with a diesel engine and the C-Class will join it very soon. The C300d will likely share the same 2.1-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with 195 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque found in the E250 Bluetec.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/02/daimler-is-investing-heavily-into-cleaner-diesel-engines.html/feed1more]]>840,000 Daimler and Mercedes Vehicles Join Takata Airbag Recallhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/02/daimler-mercedes-vehicles-join-takata-airbag-recall.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/02/daimler-mercedes-vehicles-join-takata-airbag-recall.html#respondWed, 10 Feb 2016 00:50:07 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=374745840,000 Daimler and Mercedes Vehicles Join Takata Airbag RecallDaimler has announced that it will be recalling approximately 840,000 vehicles in the U.S. with faulty Takata airbag inflators. more]]>

Daimler has announced that it will be recalling approximately 840,000 vehicles in the U.S. with faulty Takata airbag inflators.

Although the automaker didn’t specify which models are affected by the recall, it did say it will be broken down to 705,000 Mercedes-Benz cars and 136,000 Daimler vans. As a result of the recall, Daimler has taken a $384 million provision in its full-year 2015 results to cover the costs.

The company said it has been notified by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that certain defective airbag models from Takata have been installed in Mercedes-Benz cars and Daimler vans.

This is the latest recall involving faulty Takata airbag inflators, which have been linked to at least 10 deaths, including nine in the U.S. Automakers worldwide have recalled over 20 million vehicles as a result of the defective airbags that can rupture with too much force and send shrapnel into the occupants of the car.

Last week, Honda added another 2.2 million vehicles to its recall while Ford and Mazda called back its Ranger and B-Series trucks, respectively.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/02/daimler-mercedes-vehicles-join-takata-airbag-recall.html/feed0more]]>Audi, BMW, Daimler Acquire Nokia’s HERE Mapping Divisionhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/08/audi-bmw-daimler-acquire-nokia-s-here-mapping-division.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/08/audi-bmw-daimler-acquire-nokia-s-here-mapping-division.html#commentsMon, 03 Aug 2015 15:08:14 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=327436Audi, BMW, Daimler Acquire Nokia’s HERE Mapping DivisionThree German automakers have joined forces and acquired Nokia’s HERE mapping division. In a rare example of cooperation, Audi, BMW and Daimler have each obtained an equal stake in the Finnish subsidiary. Following the approval of antitrust authorities, this $3.1 billion deal is set to close early in 2016, likely the first quarter. This agreement... more]]>

Three German automakers have joined forces and acquired Nokia’s HERE mapping division.

In a rare example of cooperation, Audi,BMW and Daimler have each obtained an equal stake in the Finnish subsidiary. Following the approval of antitrust authorities, this $3.1 billion deal is set to close early in 2016, likely the first quarter.

This agreement should give the automakers involved access to high-quality mapping technology and location-based services. According to a press release pushed out by BMW, “The acquisition is intended to secure the long term availability of HERE’s products and services as an open, independent and value creating platform for cloud-based maps and other mobility services accessible to all customers from the automotive industry and other sectors.”

A major reason Audi, BMW and Daimler decided to acquire HERE is to help with their upcoming driver-assistance features, particularly with an eye toward fully autonomous vehicles. Data, and lots of it, will play a key role in enabling this technology.

HERE is a leader in mapping and location-based technology. The company’s services are available in nearly 200 countries around the world in more than 50 languages. Going forward it will continue to expand its offerings to make them available to even more customers across the globe.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/08/audi-bmw-daimler-acquire-nokia-s-here-mapping-division.html/feed3more]]>2016 smart fortwo Makes North American Debuthttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/04/2016-smart-fortwo-makes-north-american-debut.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/04/2016-smart-fortwo-makes-north-american-debut.html#commentsWed, 01 Apr 2015 12:22:31 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=2898852016 smart fortwo Makes North American DebutDaimler’s redesigned smart car made its North American debut in Manhattan on the eve of the New York Auto Show. And where better to showcase this urban runabout than the Big Apple, where space is at a premium and parking spots can be tough to come by? The new fortwo should be better in every... more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]

Daimler’s redesigned smart car made its North American debut in Manhattan on the eve of the New York Auto Show.

And where better to showcase this urban runabout than the Big Apple, where space is at a premium and parking spots can be tough to come by? The new fortwo should be better in every way than its predecessor, which has been excoriated for its poorly shifting automated-manual transmission.

That’s one of the 2016 model’s biggest improvements. Drivers now have a choice of gearbox. They can go with the car’s standard five-speed manual or they can opt for a dual-clutch automatic.

The new smart is powered by a rear-mounted three-cylinder engine. It’s turbocharged and delivers 88 hp and 100 lb-ft of twist.

Beyond powertrain enhancements the new car should also feature improved comfort and better maneuverability despite a track width that’s been increased by 100 millimeters. Additionally it should be safer than before thanks to the greater use of high-strength steel.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/04/2016-smart-fortwo-makes-north-american-debut.html/feed8more]]>New smart ED Delayed for at Least a Yearhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/new-smart-ed-delayed-for-at-least-a-year.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/new-smart-ed-delayed-for-at-least-a-year.html#commentsWed, 21 Jan 2015 17:12:32 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=270442New smart ED Delayed for at Least a YearDaimler’s much-maligned smart car has received a desperately-needed overhaul for the 2016 model year but unfortunately the brand’s entire lineup has not been redesigned just yet. This updated city car should launch in around six or eight months on this side of the Atlantic but a new version of the Electric Drive model, ED for... more]]>

Daimler’s much-maligned smart car has received a desperately-needed overhaul for the 2016 model year but unfortunately the brand’s entire lineup has not been redesigned just yet.

This updated city car should launch in around six or eight months on this side of the Atlantic but a new version of the Electric Drive model, ED for short is not expected to arrive until late in 2016. Yes, the gasoline-powered version gets all of Daimler’s love first.

The current body style smart ED will solider on for at least another year, meaning that when it finally does become available it will probably be a 2017 model.

Fortunately for the brand their electric car is quite a strong seller. The ED accounts for about a quarter of smart’s total sales in the U.S. Accordingly it makes no sense to discontinue this model until a replacement is ready.

Smart is expected to debut its all-new gasoline-powered car at the New York auto show in April. Important details including fuel-economy figures and engine ratings will likely also be divulged in the Big Apple, so stay tuned.

GALLERY: 2013 smart Electric Drive

GALLERY: 2016 smart fortwo, forfour

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/01/new-smart-ed-delayed-for-at-least-a-year.html/feed1more]]>Toyota Sells Between Zero and All of its Tesla Shareshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/toyota-sells-zero-tesla-shares.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/toyota-sells-zero-tesla-shares.html#respondFri, 24 Oct 2014 14:55:13 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=260336Toyota Sells Between Zero and All of its Tesla SharesThe other day Daimler divested itself from Tesla and now Toyota has followed suit … sort of. Mercedes-Benz dropped its nearly 4 percent stake in the California-based electric-vehicle builder but the Capital T didn’t do anything that drastic. It sold “some” of its shares in the company. Toyota invested $50 million in Tesla back in... more]]>

The other day Daimler divested itself from Tesla and now Toyota has followed suit … sort of.

Mercedes-Benz dropped its nearly 4 percent stake in the California-based electric-vehicle builder but the Capital T didn’t do anything that drastic. It sold “some” of its shares in the company. Toyota invested $50 million in Tesla back in May of 2010. That outlay gave it about 2.5 percent of the firm.

Right now Toyota has not disclosed how much Tesla stock it has jettisoned, so it could be anywhere between zero and all of it. The company is continuing to study potential ways of cooperating in the future.

Right now Tesla provides motors and battery packs to Toyota for their all-electric RAV4 crossover but this partnership is scheduled to end at the close of the year. This vehicle landed on the market in 2012 and to date Toyota has only sold around 2,000 RAV4 EVs.

GALLERY: 2013 Toyota RAV4

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/toyota-sells-zero-tesla-shares.html/feed0more]]>Mercedes Sells Off Tesla Shareshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/mercedes-sells-tesla-shares.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/mercedes-sells-tesla-shares.html#commentsTue, 21 Oct 2014 22:53:31 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=260142Mercedes Sells Off Tesla SharesMercedes has sold off its stake in Tesla. Mercedes parent company Daimler AG has sold its 3.9-percent share of the American electric automaker, which generated about $780 million in cash. In a statement, Daimler said that the cooperation between the two companies would not be affected and that Mercedes would continue to purchase powertrain components... more]]>

Mercedes parent company Daimler AG has sold its 3.9-percent share of the American electric automaker, which generated about $780 million in cash. In a statement, Daimler said that the cooperation between the two companies would not be affected and that Mercedes would continue to purchase powertrain components from Tesla.

Development on Mercedes electric vehicles have been completed for the time being with the B-Class electric drive going on sale in the U.S. before it heads to Europe next month. Daimler first acquired a 9.1-percent stake in Tesla in May 2009 but its stake decreased as a result of capital increases by Tesla in the form of follow-on offerings.

Tesla shares were down 1.3% in after hours trading to $232 a share.

GALLERY: 2013 Tesla Model S

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/mercedes-sells-tesla-shares.html/feed3more]]>Which Automakers Own Which Car Brands?http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/the-automotive-family-tree.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/the-automotive-family-tree.html#commentsTue, 14 Oct 2014 12:05:17 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=259211Which Automakers Own Which Car Brands?At times the auto industry can feel overwhelming, with all the different products, brands and stories to keep straight. There’s always something going on in this business, from breaking news to vehicle reviews. And for non-automotive-journalists, which are most of you out there, it can get pretty confusing at times, especially when it comes to... more]]>

At times the auto industry can feel overwhelming, with all the different products, brands and stories to keep straight. There’s always something going on in this business, from breaking news to vehicle reviews.

And for non-automotive-journalists, which are most of you out there, it can get pretty confusing at times, especially when it comes to keeping the various product lines straight. In an effort to help you understand which parent company owns a particular marque here’s a breakdown of various automotive brands sold around the world. We hope it helps you keep things straight.

Please note, we did not try to list every single automaker; we merely focused on the major players in this industry and ones that have a strong presence in North America. We apologize in advance is you were dying to learn about Hindustan, Lada or Proton but you’ll have to look elsewhere.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/10/the-automotive-family-tree.html/feed2more]]>Daimler Still Considering Purchase of Aston Martinhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/08/daimler-considering-buying-aston-martin.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/08/daimler-considering-buying-aston-martin.html#commentsTue, 26 Aug 2014 15:21:09 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=254591Daimler Still Considering Purchase of Aston MartinDaimler is considering expanding its portfolio of companies by two. According to Car and Driver, Daimler, the German company that owns Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Freightliner and more is once again considering buying Aston Martin. The brand may also pick up Italian sports-bike maker MV Agusta. Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin signed an agreement last year for the German... more]]>

Daimler is considering expanding its portfolio of companies by two.

According to Car and Driver, Daimler, the German company that owns Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Freightliner and more is once again considering buying Aston Martin. The brand may also pick up Italian sports-bike maker MV Agusta.

Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin signed an agreement last year for the German company to supply engines to Aston. Technologically, the next generation of Aston Martins and Mercedes AMG cars will be closely related, though the design will stay distinct. On top of all that, Daimler already owns a five percent chunk of Aston.

If the deal does happen, upcoming Aston Martins and Mercedes AMG cars would probably become even more closely related. Some voices within Daimler think it is a risky idea, while others think that Aston could become a jewel for the company.

As for MV Agusta, that deal is a much safer bet to go through. It will also give Daimler some payback against Audi, which bought out motorcycle maker Ducati even though Ducati and AMG had a partnership.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/08/daimler-considering-buying-aston-martin.html/feed2more]]>2016 smart fortwo, forfour Debut With Dual-Clutchhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/07/2016-smart-fortwo-forfour-debut-dual-clutch.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/07/2016-smart-fortwo-forfour-debut-dual-clutch.html#commentsWed, 16 Jul 2014 18:30:10 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=2511082016 smart fortwo, forfour Debut With Dual-ClutchSmart just debuted its new fortwo and forfour city cars at an event in Berlin marking the return of a four-seat car to the brand. Daimler developed the new generation of cars in conjunction with Renault, retaining the rear-engine setup from previous fortwo models. The forfour and fortwo are based on the same platform, of... more]]>

Smart just debuted its new fortwo and forfour city cars at an event in Berlin marking the return of a four-seat car to the brand.

Daimler developed the new generation of cars in conjunction with Renault, retaining the rear-engine setup from previous fortwo models. The forfour and fortwo are based on the same platform, of course with a bigger chassis for the four-passenger version. The new fortwo will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships sometime next year for the 2016 model year. A Mercedes representative said the company hasn’t made a decisions yet about launching the new forfour in this market.

Both cars wear updated sheet metal with a curvier look pulled from the concept cars smart trotted out at auto shows over the last several years. Important as the updated styling will be in improving the fortwo’s image beside more stylish city cars, extensive mechanical changes the company revealed today will probably play a bigger role in determining how the new fortwo and forfour are received.

Rather than using the automated single-clutch gearbox that the current fortwo uses, smart is implementing a dual-clutch transmission along with a five-speed manual. The powertrain is available with one of two engines: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder that makes 71 hp 67 lb-ft of torque or a smaller 0.9-liter turbo three-cylinder with 90 hp and roughly 100 lb-ft of torque. After the initial product launch the company will also offer a less powerful 60 hp engine as well, though the company hasn’t said which of those powertrains will be sold here.

The standard equipment list announced today includes LED daytime running lights, cruise control with a variable speed limiter, an exterior temperature thermometer and a monochrome LCD display in the instrument cluster among others.

Smart is also offering touch screen navigation and smartphone integration along with an optional JBL sound system designed specifically for the car that includes a removable subwoofer to save cabin space when necessary.

Aside from adding content, the new car also comes with features meant to make it safer. For example, they all come with a crosswind counteracting feature meant to keep the car from swerving after hitting a strong surprise gust while driving at 50 MPH and above. There is also optional forward collision warning as well as a lane-keeping feature that prevents the car from drifting into another lane. Smart also performed crash tests with larger vehicles; specifically the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and S-Class. Smart said the crash tests far exceeded European requirements although that says nothing about how the car will perform once the IIHS smashes a few of them during its grueling battery of tests.